A video circulated on social media Thursday evening, showing Rafiqul Islam Madani, popularly known as "Shishu Bokta," calling on local people to participate in the vandalism of a shrine in the Netrokona district on Friday after the Jummah prayer.
In the video, he urged that for the sake of Islam, they should destroy the shrine, alleging that drugs and anti-social activities were being practised there.
However, speaking to Dhaka Tribune on Friday evening, Foyez Ahmed, Superintendent of Police in Netrokona, said: "After watching the video, we took action and prevented any vandalism. What Rafiqul Islam Madani called for did not occur today (on Friday)."
The SP noted that Army and police personnel had spoken with both parties and resolved the issue on Thursday night.
Not only in Netrokona, but Army and police forces are also working in several other places to prevent attacks on shrines. Despite their efforts, multiple acts of violence have been reported in the last few days across the country.
on Friday afternoon, a group of people protested in front of the National Press Club under the banner of "Bangladesh Asheqe Awlia," representing followers of shrines in Bangladesh.
During the protest, they claimed that at least 45 shrines across the country had been attacked and vandalized in recent days, and they demanded justice for the vandalism.
They also called for increased security for shrines to protect their sites and the lives of shrine followers.
Earlier, a group of vandals attacked the famous Shah Poran Shrine in Sylhet, along with several other renowned shrines across the country.
When the issue was raised with Home Affairs Adviser, Lt Gen (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, on Tuesday, he said law enforcement agencies had been instructed to prevent further attacks on shrines nationwide.
Asked about the attacks, including the one on Shah Poran's shrine, the adviser responded: "I am not aware of the attack on the Shah Poran shrine. However, it is my responsibility to ensure security and prevent any such incidents. Law enforcement agencies have been directed accordingly."
When contacted, the Police Headquarters informed this newspaper that after the adviser's statement, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) issued a directive to maintain law and order across the country.
According to the directive, IGP Md Mainul Islam instructed all police units to take swift action against militants, terrorists, and anyone threatening communal harmony.
The IGP emphasized that Bangladesh stands as a model of communal harmony and reiterated the Bangladesh Police's firm stance against any attempts to disrupt this harmony, regardless of political affiliation.
He further stated that the police would take immediate, decisive action against any individuals or groups promoting communal division or instability.
The IGP underscored the force's "zero tolerance" policy towards militant and terrorist activities.
Speaking to Dhaka Tribune, an Additional Inspector General of Police quoting the directives of the IGP said on Friday: "The Police Headquarters is closely monitoring the situation to ensure militancy and terrorism remain under control."
"Bangladesh Police is committed to maintaining law and order. If anyone seeks to destabilize the country by disrupting public security, swift legal action, including arrests, will be taken.”